It took me sometime to write this mail and I was reluctant initially but I thought I should share with you some of my thoughts on Membership development and Retention.
The biggest problem we face at club level in the issue of membership is a lack of a solid Public image of Rotary,our clubs and our projects. We are not convincing enough and my suggestions are mainly to improve our image. If we have a good and prominent profile,it is only a matter of time before we start seeing people queuing to join Rotary.
How do we improve our Public Image?
I am firm believer that people will be attracted to us if we start thinking big in terms of our projects that would create a powerful impact on the Public and as well as making sure that the benefits are long term and meaningful. Today,we have a situation where we have 72 clubs doing 72 different projects which though meaningful in their own right, gives an impression to the newcomers or potential members that what we are doing is no big deal to them and we are too individualistic. We need to make a big leap in our planning to make sure that every one who joins us feel that Rotary is the best.
How do we do it?
First and foremost,we need to implement a "DISTRICT PROJECT" . This could be done together with District 3310 .
We need to identify a meaningful and long term project (3-5 years) in consultation and co operation with the Government of the day and the project should bring about significant socio-economic changes to the beneficiaries. This project should be decided by the District with all the clubs informed at least a year before the implementation so that all the clubs would be fully prepared to commit themselves. Undertaking a project of this nature nation-wide will generate enormous publicity and goodwill to Rotary. For this to succeed,the District must have the desire and will and mark my words,we will see the difference.
Secondly,we need to think of a "STATE PROJECT" whereby all the clubs from a single state undertake a common project at the state level. The project should follow the pattern of the District project which should be meaningful and long term and working hand in hand with the Government of the day and other departments.
Carrying out District and State projects will bring all our clubs together bonded with a sense of purpose in the pursuit of a common cause. This will generate a lot Positive publicity for Rotary,district as well as our clubs and this in turn will appeal to new members.
Clubs should carry on with their projects with every club having at least 1 Flagship project which again should be long term and bring significant changes to our local communities.
Besides projects,it is time that our District come up with a book about ourselves,about the projects we do as well as our goals and and long term strategies.This could be another significant tool in our membership development drive.
These suggestions involve planning and requires co operation at all levels. I believe we should work on new strategies if it is feasible as we Rotarians have nothing but concern for our organization.
Sunday 25 September 2011
Friday 23 September 2011
BALI ROTARY INSTITUTE 2011
As you may be well aware, the Bali Rotary Institute is just around the corner (2th Dec - 4th Dec 2011).
We wish to take this opportunity to thank you all for your overwhelming support. The registration has been most encouraging with approx 90 Rtns and spouses have registered todate. We are confident that our delegation will exceed a hundred-strong especially a few more members of the HOC of the Selangor Institute 2012 having yet to register.
We are planning a ground promotional gambit and cultural dance item to “welcome” Rtns from abroad to our Institute next year.
The organiser have informed us that they are closing the hotel booking of the Grand Hyatt, Nusa Dua on 26th Sept 2011.If you wish to book for a room in this hotel, please do so immediately. This is special rate for the Institute as it is almost half the normal rack rate.
Rtns who has yet to provide us the flight bookings details, please do so no later than 15th October 2011 as the organiser need the information for local transfer arrangments.
Apart from that, if you wish to book the hotel room for your family members (other than spouses & children), kindly find details as follows:-
1.Grand Ocean : USD 165 nett/r/n
2.Club Garden : USD 200 nett/r/n
3.Club Deluxe Garden : 215 nett/r/n
All prices incl breakfast for 2 pax.
Furthermore, for those who are planning to stay back after the Institute for sightseeing, the organiser would be pleased to extend the rates 4 nights prior and after the Institute.
Those who need assistance in registering, please do not be hesitate to contact me.
Warmest regards
Leslie Salehuddin
RC KAJANG GETS GOING WITH INDUCTION OF YOUNGEST MEMBER!
On 20th Sept 2011, RC Kajang held a joint meeting with RC Puchong Centennial in conjunction the induction of their new and youngest member, Mr Tee Han Seng. RC Kajang is now 24 members strong and answering the call from RI and District 3300 to recruit younger members. In conjuction with our event our guest speaker was PP Dr Siva Ananthan, Chair MDR. Dr Siva entertain us with his take on membership development espousing the need for change, the importance of being a Rotarian, the necessity of PR exercise by individual Rotarians and the need to do things differently so that people will have a desire to become Rotarians. Dr Siva emphasised that as individual Rotarians we have the power to make a difference as long as we have the belief that we are doing is important.
All Rotarians feel that what they are doing is important, if it is important to us then we must walk the talk and overcome The Paradigm of Powerlessness. As Rotarians we must never give up and never accept that we are powerless to change anything that can contribute to the betterment of all humanity.
We congratulate and welcome Rotarian Tee to our club, we thank Dr Siva for sharing his thoughts with us on Membership Development and we also thank AG Ananda for his presence in supporting our club activities and club development.
Rtn MahRC Kajang
Monday 19 September 2011
ROTARY STATISTICAL UPDATE
The family of Rotary extends beyond individual Rotarians and Rotary clubs to include other service-minded people who help with the organization's work. Groups such as Rotaract, Interact, and Rotary Community Corps serve side by side with sponsor clubs, using their diverse skills to improve the quality of life in their communities. Below are some of the latest statistics available, as of 30 April 2011. (*as of 4 April 2011)
ROTARY
INTERACT
ROTARY
- Members: 1,222,293
- Clubs: 34,118
- Districts: 530
- Members: 195,040*
- Clubs: 8,480*
INTERACT
- Members: 303,991*
- Clubs: 13,217*
- Members: 161,759*
- Corps: 7,033*
PENANG MAPS - WHAT A GREAT DAY!!!
The Penang MAPS was successfully carried out on the 14th of August 2011 organised by RC Tanjung Bungah and attended by about 50 Rotarians will all the Kedah and Penang clubs represented.
The sessions were highly interactive and many innovative and progressive ideas were put forward by the Rotarians present. These were a group of dedicated and committed Rotarians who sacrificed their day of leisure (Sunday) to make Rotary greater in their communities.
The sessions were highly interactive and many innovative and progressive ideas were put forward by the Rotarians present. These were a group of dedicated and committed Rotarians who sacrificed their day of leisure (Sunday) to make Rotary greater in their communities.
The first session was presented by me and entitled “The
Rotary Way." I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and
appreciation shown by the Rotarians for this presentation
and I hope that the inspiration provided to you will spark
greater growth in your clubs.
This was followed by a great presentation by PDG Leslie who
shared some vital points and pointers with those present. His
presentation was titled - "A Custom Approach to
Membership Development". I must say that PDG Leslie is a
very committed and valued Advisor to our MDR Committee
and we have benefitted greatly from his positive
input. PDG Leslie also conducted a Membership Action Plan
Round Table discussion that saw some very interesting
discussions.
After lunch we had a very interesting Panel session – “What’s Breaking Up Rotary?” moderated by PP Ronnie Tan. The topics under discussion were:
1. “Negative External Influences” – IPP Shamrat Sen Gupta
2. “Infighting, Conflicts and Other Cancers” – PP Cheang
3. “The Politics of Rotary” – PP Ricky Ch’ng
The next panel session focussed on – “What’s so great about Rotary?” moderated by PDG Dato’ Bill Ng. It was a great session and we all benefitted from the experience and wisdom of PDG Bill. The topics under discussion were:
1. "My Rotary Journey” – PDG Dr Santokh Sing
2. “The Great Rotary Fellowship” – AG Dr Baskaran
3. “Friends Around The World” – AG Ananda Pillai
All round I think the Penang MAPS was a resounding success and we head next to Ipoh for the MAPS for Perak clubs. See you October 23rd in Ipoh. For further details contact PP Amy Chin from RC Metro Ipoh.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt.
BENTONG INDUCTS 3 NEW ROTARIANS
It was a great pleasure to attend RC Bentong's grand Installation Dinner at the Genting Awana Resort last month on the 13th of August 2011.
Our D3300 MDR Team consisting of PDG Leslie, AG Ananda and myself were on route to Penang for the Penang MAPS the next morning but this was a wonderful pitstop with plenty of fellowship and fun.
The highlight of the day for the MDR Team was the induction of 3 new Rotarians. Welcome to the Rotary family and our best wishes to RC Bentong for greater growth and more Rotarians!!
Our D3300 MDR Team consisting of PDG Leslie, AG Ananda and myself were on route to Penang for the Penang MAPS the next morning but this was a wonderful pitstop with plenty of fellowship and fun.
The highlight of the day for the MDR Team was the induction of 3 new Rotarians. Welcome to the Rotary family and our best wishes to RC Bentong for greater growth and more Rotarians!!
"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I may not pass this way again."
Sunday 11 September 2011
Some Thoughts on Club Extension - PP Christie Daniels (RC Danau Desa)
It has not been comforting to know that Clubs have been rushed to charter at the end of last term. No fault of the Clubs. But there has been expressed reservation and lack of mitigation.
1. Parts of the actions were exasperating. It has invited condemnation for the way the charter has been rushed in some cases and ROS registration in others. Given the lack of preparation and experience it won’t be without consequences. But that’s when the District has to demonstrate maturity and be responsible, help them adjust the sails, correct the emphasis. The atmosphere has to be moderated. We cannot be like the proverbial ostrich and pretend that it is someone else’s problem. It’s necessary to re-jig the focus, what has begun must now continue on a good note.
2. The irony of it all is, when a new Club comes into inception it is often by way of a heart-wrenching tear-away from a ‘parent’ Club. Like hunger that drives wolves out of the woods, it’s the ‘discarded’ (not meant rudely) fellow Rotarians passion and I think that may be acceptable. At this juncture engagement is more productive than alienation and isolation. Let’s not dampen their passion.
3. There was perhaps very little by way of conceptual mapping and thoughtful dissemination of the Rotary structure, information and understanding. Past reviews are replete with polemics.
4. RI has a carefully crafted running-order and the responsibility lies with the District. But I guess up to this point it has been mostly ‘hands-off’ and allowing ‘discourse’ to flourish. There are many ways to govern a Club but only one way to treat the Mbrs – with acceptance.
5. Be conscious of the fact that we are getting this opportunity to impact the lives of so many people, starting with Rotarians… Where there was passion, there was anger and in cases it spilled over into despair. Right now there is perhaps no necessity for any investigation, it is rendered academic
1. Parts of the actions were exasperating. It has invited condemnation for the way the charter has been rushed in some cases and ROS registration in others. Given the lack of preparation and experience it won’t be without consequences. But that’s when the District has to demonstrate maturity and be responsible, help them adjust the sails, correct the emphasis. The atmosphere has to be moderated. We cannot be like the proverbial ostrich and pretend that it is someone else’s problem. It’s necessary to re-jig the focus, what has begun must now continue on a good note.
2. The irony of it all is, when a new Club comes into inception it is often by way of a heart-wrenching tear-away from a ‘parent’ Club. Like hunger that drives wolves out of the woods, it’s the ‘discarded’ (not meant rudely) fellow Rotarians passion and I think that may be acceptable. At this juncture engagement is more productive than alienation and isolation. Let’s not dampen their passion.
3. There was perhaps very little by way of conceptual mapping and thoughtful dissemination of the Rotary structure, information and understanding. Past reviews are replete with polemics.
4. RI has a carefully crafted running-order and the responsibility lies with the District. But I guess up to this point it has been mostly ‘hands-off’ and allowing ‘discourse’ to flourish. There are many ways to govern a Club but only one way to treat the Mbrs – with acceptance.
5. Be conscious of the fact that we are getting this opportunity to impact the lives of so many people, starting with Rotarians… Where there was passion, there was anger and in cases it spilled over into despair. Right now there is perhaps no necessity for any investigation, it is rendered academic
6. But, as an appointed DGSR, let me reflect the range of my initial excitement and later concerns. I did not take offence but was left embarrassed at a Joint Mtg. Others were being announced as the DGSRs and that their appointment letter will arrive soon!!! Well, I was there with the (then) DG’s official letter of appointment, and the Provisional Club Pres’ Invitation! Such mistakes should never repeat. It also placed the Host in a quandary.
7. In the unfolding confusion, I was then appointed to mentor the Provisional Club of Bkt Tinggi. So much for principled stand. But it was immensely and mutually enriching and inspiring. Pres Richard’s commitment has already established optimism.
8. It is my earnest hope (and for all Rotarians I believe) that future Club extensions must continue to strive for proper understanding of Rotary. It is not for the District to fit into the context of the Club but the reverse.
9. For me as a DGSR it has been a particularly special experience. But the District has to look again at the entangled mess. There were many ‘flames’ of dissension. Naturally, the Provisional Club has to be built in reflexes of group thinking and emphasis of Rotary values. Sustainability never comes with a warranty.
10. Every new Club must have character; it must ‘belong to its community’. We must avoid ‘anonymous’ Clubs, which is what we are inadvertently doing by expanding so rapidly.
11. Club Extension is important but do not let any one use it frivolously. Perhaps the Club Ext Comt be placed under the Dist Strategic Planning Comt for prior approval, monitoring and final review for charter!
12. RI advisory on Club Extensions, implemented thru the Dist inter alia include specifics, one of which is that all inclinations (to form Clubs) must have best capacity. I propose that the Strategic Planning Comt hold the tool to review for final approval. Failure to meet minimum standards established by the RI Board of Directors and low attendance rates are compromises not to be accepted and will be the best way to bring home the gravity of the fact. Timeline perhaps must not be a condition but a review process must be governed by a timeline to resist manipulation.
13. There must be a clear and coherent plan to avoid unseemly conduct by all and sundry! Incidentally, the saving grace is, at least 2 Clubs in the Klang Valley
Some issues no long exist and have been overtaken by the march of time! Let’s ignore them.
Who Knew How Many Rotarians Were Walking Out? - PDG Jim Henry (D6960)
PP Shankar Duraiswami from the Rotary Club of Melawati drew my attention to the following article and I want to share it with all of you. Read on.......
Annually, More Than 157,000
Rotarians Have Been Walking Out Clubs’ Doors Taking With Them Over
US$7,500,000
Of Rotary International's Dues Revenue.
“On 30 June 2003, we had approximately 1.2 million members in 31,551 clubs. As of 30 June 2010, we had approximately 1.2 million members in 34,103 clubs. Since 2003, we have added 2,552 Rotary clubs yet only increased our overall membership by 226 members. Shocking? Even more disturbing is that in this seven-year period, we inducted into our Rotary clubs more than 157,000 Rotarians walked out of Rotary clubs’ doors during each one of those seven years, reducing Rotary1.1 million members.”
- Director John Smarge’s address to the 2011 International Assembly.
What’s even more mind-boggling is that an average of International’s annual dues income by more than us$7,500,000, or 12.5%. We can only hope that RI’s Board of Directors had not been made aware of the magnitude of these osses.
We can only wonder about the full life value of an additional 1.1 million Rotarians advancing the Object of Rotary. We can only wonder about the lost full life value of
1.1 million entrepreneurial brains sharing ideas, which would have given birth to countless other ideas. We can only wonder about how much the full life value our worldwide network of business, professional, and community leaders could have contributed to 1.1 million families and personal networks. We can only wonder about the lost full life value of 1.1 million sets of hands and feet participating in a wide variety of projects. We can only wonder of the full life value to local societies if each of those 1.1 million were in contact with fifty to one hundred others from different walks of life. And, of course, we can only wonder of the lost full life value to The Rotary Foundation, to district coffers, and to local club treasuries and foundations.
But why did this human and monetary capital walk out? Clubs will always lose members
for reasons they cannot control, such as death, health, and relocation. Assume this uncontrollable loss to be 7% annually. Is anything being done to keep the remaining 146,000 Rotarians from walking out with over US$7 million in dues every year?
engage an agency to assist RI with brand revitalization. It allocated US$975,000 over the next two years to implement the process, and directed US$600,000 of that amount to be included in the 2011–12 budget. This is a major, refreshing step, because for years assisting member clubs with their #1 priority, membership, has not been RI’s #1 priority. Though it does seem a bit strange that serving its customers’ needs would not have always been Rotary International’s number one priority (see previous Strategic Plans.)
In most businesses, a 12.5% annual customer and monetary loss would trigger prompt and substantial evaluations of the organization’s four Ps (priorities, policies, procedures,
practices), starting with the means of reporting gains and losses. After all, if the Board of
Directors had been made aware of the magnitude of these losses several years ago, I suspect a cause and effect analysis would have taken place long before now. All clubs send membership gains and losses to RI. All clubs send semi-annual reports to RI. These reports include paid membership information. It seems that regardless of how complicated it would be to compile the information, the secretariat could, semi-annually, report to the Board the real number of Rotarians that walked out by zone, district, and club. Had this information been available seven or more years ago, and priorities and recognitions placed on retaining and recruiting members, perhaps the brains of 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders working together would have made our condition today substantially different.
There’s no question that clubs and individual Rotarians are responsible for membership. But just talking about it does not help. How much importance have Rotary leaders placed on retaining members until this Rotary year? How much emphasis are zone and district leaders, even this year, placing on retaining members through recognitions and awards based on accurate numbers? What priorities are being placed on supporting clubs
in helping them discover and practice Rotary fundamentals through GETS, PETS, and other training programs?
Rotary is in the people business. The only measure of an effective club, regardless of how many projects and programs each have in place, is their ability to retain and attract members.1 It seems only logical that an association serving such a diverse group of clubs would have an objective data base from which to gauge overall branding, public information, and training efforts, and a monetary base of reference to measure return on investment potential.
It will take years to adjust practices of 34,000 clubs with over 1.2 million Rotarians. It seems that RI could put a priority on data consolidation and reporting that would supply beneficial information to RI’s Board of Directors, zones, districts, and clubs. After all, if
only ten percent more Rotarians would continue walking into club meetings, overall membership would return to the growth stage, more Rotarians would be advancing the Object of Rotary, RI revenues would increase about US$700,000 a year, district and club revenues would increase, and the Rotary Foundation would receive more contributions. Doesn’t that make an investment in time, data processing, and meaningful reports worth considering?
Can we improve retention by up to ten percent?
Together We Can!
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